Melphalan Flufenamide Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 8, 2024.

Applies to melphalan flufenamide: intravenous powder for injection.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Melphalan flufenamide can increase your risk of bleeding or infection.

Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, or new signs of infection (fever, chills, cough, burning when you urinate).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a new or worsening cough;

• pain or burning when you urinate; or

• low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath.

Common side effects may include:

• low blood cell counts;

• nausea, diarrhea;

• tiredness; or

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to melphalan flufenamide: intravenous powder for injection.

General adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (55%), pyrexia (24%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Sepsis, general physical health deterioration^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (32%), diarrhea (27%), constipation (15%), vomiting (13%)^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Peripheral edema (14%)^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased platelets (99%), decreased leukocytes (99%), decreased lymphocytes (97%), decreased neutrophils (95%), decreased hemoglobin (84%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Febrile neutropenia, hemorrhages^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypersensitivity reaction^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased appetite (14%), hypokalemia (14%), hypocalcemia (10%)^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Bone pain (13%), pain in extremity (13%), back pain (12%), arthralgia (10%)^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (13%), dizziness (11%)^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (11%)^[Ref]

Renal

• Very common (10% or more): Increased creatinine (68%)^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Pneumonia (13%), respiratory tract infection (24%), cough (17%), dyspnea (11%), dyspnea exertional (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Respiratory failure^[Ref]

Further information

Melphalan flufenamide side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer